Twelve acres of recreational field space provide students, faculty and staff with one of the finest physical education/recreation facilities in the country. No, I'm not talking about UNC-Chapel Hill; however, this statement describes the superior characteristics of N.C. State University's outdoor recreational facilities. With a measly total of two fields, UNC-CH should focus attention on the production of more outdoor facilities for recreational purposes.
The combination of the increase in participation along with the lack of available space for play led the department of intramurals to turn away teams for play this year for the first time in the history of the college. Not only do the two Hooker Fields provide use for intramurals, but club sports and other various recreational activities use the fields daily. Club soccer teams have unfortunately been forced to practice from 11 p.m. until 1 a.m. This leaves the chance of obtaining a square inch of space for recreational play on the Hooker Fields completely hopeless.
While N.C. State enjoys the luxurious benefits of plentiful fields intended for intramural, club and recreational activities, UNC forks up extra money in tuition costs for the two measly fields. No real Chapel Hill student yearns for the state of inferiority to their main rival, State.
North Carolina was designated as the eight best sports college in America according to the Oct. 7 Sports Illustrated. Yet Marty Pomerantz, director of campus recreation, believes this number could potentially have risen to the top 3 if it weren't for the lack of facilities for intramural, club and recreational sports. As a part of the student body, I urge all UNC students, faculty and staff to make a voice on our campus, and request more fields.
Ian MacNaughton
Freshman
Biology
